From the moment that the Tennessee Titans traded A.J. Brown for the Philadelphia Eagles' No. 18 pick to select Treylon Burks in the 2022 NFL draft, it was a disaster waiting to happen. It was unfair to Burks, and honestly, it was unfair to Titans fans. Thankfully, that mistake may finally come to an end soon.
Two players turned Tennessee into one of the most feared teams in the AFC: Derrick Henry and A.J. Brown. When they traded one to get Burks, it immediately put pressure on him to carry the franchise in the absence of Brown. The fans and media in Nashville put every mistake under the microscope, comparing Burks to Brown during his rookie season.
Despite the pressure and unfair expectations, he showed flashes in year one, recording 444 yards and a touchdown. However, injuries began to pile up, including during his only touchdown reception of his career. Ryan Tannehill threw a 25-yard strike to Burks in the end zone, where he received head-to-head contact that knocked him out immediately. Burks still caught the ball.
Since then, the injury bug has kept showing its ugly head, and Burks' production has steadily declined. Now, in year four, the Titans have declined his fifth-year option, maybe ending this saga soon. Unless Tennessee's first-round draft pick, Cam Ward, can unlock the passing attack, Burks and the Titans could benefit from a change of scenery. If the they decide to part ways with Burks, here are eight potential destinations for him.
Treylon Burks: 8 teams that make sense
Teams in need of WR depth
All three of the following teams need better wide receiver depth. None are very good teams, but all three are more pass friendly than Tennessee and Burks won't have the pressure of being a franchise WR right off the bat.
WR Drafted
1st round Tetairoa McMillan
6th round Jimmy Horn Jr.
WR under contract
Adam Thielen
Xavier Legette
Jalen Coker
Free Agents
David Moore (UFA)
Velus Jones (RFA)
Deven Thompkins (RFA)
Dan Chisena (RFA)
WR Drafted
None
WR under contract
George Pickens (potential trade for Jonathan Mingo)
Calvin Austin III
Roman Wilson
Free Agents
Mike Williams (UFA)
Van Jefferson (UFA)
Ben Skowronek (UFA)
WR Drafted
None
WR under contract
Malik Nabers
Wan'Dale Robinson
Jalin Hyatt
Bryce Ford-Wheaton
Free Agents
Darius Slayton (UFA)
Gunner Olszewski (UFA)
Ihmir Smith-Marsette (UFA)
Best possible scenarios
The Bills and Raven have all the needs of the last group, but they have proven quarterbacks who could take Burks to an even greater level.
WR Drafted
7th round Kaden Prather
WR under contract
Khalil Shakir
Keon Coleman
Curtis Samuel
Free Agents
Amari Cooper (UFA)
Mack Hollins (UFA)
WR Drafted
6th round LaJohntay Wester
WR under contract
Zay Flowers
Rashod Bateman
Devontez Walker
Free Agents
Nelson Agholor (void)
Diontae Johnson (UFA)
Tylan Wallace (UFA)
Steven Sims (UFA)
Deonte Harty (UFA)
Fan Favorites
While the Chiefs and Cowboys may not need a receiver as bad as the five before, both could still use the depth. However, they have the added benefits of having major fanbases in Arkansas. Kansas City would be the prime landing sport for Burks, with Arrowhead Stadium less than four hours from Fayetteville—and having the league's best QB doesn't hurt either.
WR Drafted
4th Round Jalen Royals
WR under contract
Xavier Worthy
Rashee Rice
Skyy Moore
Nikko Remigio
Free Agents
DeAndre Hopkins (UFA)
JuJu Smith-Schuster (UFA)
Justin Watson (UFA)
Marquise Brown (UFA)
Mecole Hardman (UFA)
WR Drafted
None
WR under contract
CeeDee Lamb
Jalen Tolbert
Jalen Brooks
Jonathan Mingo (maybe trade for Pickens)
Ryan Flournoy
Free Agents
Brandin Cooks (UFA)
KaVontae Turpin (RFA)
Not going to happen but would be hilarious
This will most likely not happen, but the Eagles have a chance to do the funniest thing by picking up Burks after pulling one over on the Titans. Burks would also have the added benefit of being surrounded by one of the best receiving corps in the NFL.
WR Drafted
None
WR under contract
A.J. Brown
DeVonta Smith
Jahan Dotson
Johnny Wilson
Ainias Smith
Free Agents
Parris Campbell (UFA)
Britain Covey (RFA)